European beech Fagus sylvatica
European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fagaceae family, native to Western and central Europe. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 14 m (46 ft) apart.
Plan European beech in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
European beech at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 14 m (46 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: nuts (beechmast, roasted, small amounts), young leaves |
| Native to | Western and central Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is European beech toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: raw beechnuts
Raw beechnuts contain fagin and can cause stomach upset in people and pets if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with European beech
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Phytophthora ramorum: Sudden oak death pathogen; rhododendron, viburnum, camellia and pieris spread it to oaks and larch. Evidence B
See European beech in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (1 plants)
Questions about European beech
- How far apart should I plant European beech?
- About 14 m (46 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).
- Does European beech need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does European beech need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is European beech?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is European beech poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw beechnuts contain fagin and can cause stomach upset in people and pets if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with European beech?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for European beech. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Intolerant of waterlogged or compacted soil; young trees and hedges hold dead leaves through winter.
- Beechnuts are produced in mast years only every 5-10 years.
- Copper and purple cultivars are common in gardens; values are for the green species.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa
- English oak Quercus robur
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- Holm oak Quercus ilex
- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia
- Cork oak Quercus suber
- Northern red oak Quercus rubra
- White oak Quercus alba